What is perhaps most interesting in the India-China face-off in Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector in Ladakh since April 15 is the timing of it -just ahead of the proposed visit of Chinese premier Li Keqiang to India.

Lot of symbolism is riding on the planned visit, expected in the
last week of May, the first overseas trip of the new premier.

There were enough positive vibes after the meeting between the new Chinese president Xi Jinping and prime minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Durban last month where both leaders stressed the need to keep the momentum in the ties.

But, the timing of the border face-off and the fact that many rounds of talks haven't yielded any breakthrough to the dispute are proving to be perplexing. However, both sides have decided to work around the issue and not let it affect economic and other ties.

But, border transgressions, are not uncommon in India-China ties. In fact, there are elaborate protocols to deal with them. "Many of the transgressions are solved away from the public glare. At times, it takes more time to sort out the issues. But all these situations that can arise out of the difference in perceptions about the Line of Actual control", said a source familiar with the issue.